Reid Park Zoo is proud to have once again been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This prestigious recognition is the gold standard in the zoo world – awarded only after a thorough review of everything from animal care and veterinary practices to education, conservation, guest experience and more.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team at the Zoo and reinforces our commitment to excellence in everything we do for wildlife and our community. And our community shares in this recognition. The generous approval of a one-tenth of one percent sales tax by Tucson voters in 2017 has enabled the Zoo to bring outdated facilities up to modern, progressive standards, to make important habitat improvements for the comfort and safety of the animals and our guests, and to provide cutting-edge animal care and conservation programs as one of the best zoos in the country. It has also made it possible for the Zoo to add new exhibits and amenities for guests to fulfill our promises. Thank you!
Pathway to Asia is Taking Shape
Speaking of new exhibits — if you’ve been to Reid Park Zoo recently, you have probably seen a lot of activity with the tops of buildings beginning to peek over the construction fence for the new Pathway to Asia expansion.
Aided by good weather days, crews have been working diligently with construction at 30% complete and on schedule. Walls and roofs on a number of the animal buildings are up and exterior stone facades are taking shape giving a hint of what this incredible new addition to the Zoo will look like when finished.
Opening Fall 2026, Pathway to Asia is the largest addition to Reid Park Zoo since Expedition Tanzania in 2012. This transformational space will bring tigers back to Tucson establishing the Zoo as a breeding and conservation facility for these endangered big cats. It will introduce new species such as Komodo dragons – the world’s largest lizards that can reach 10 ft-long and 200 pounds – sweet-faced red pandas, gibbons, sand cats, fruit bats and more. At every turn, guests can see and learn about these iconic species from unique viewing vantage points.
While construction is occurring, there is no impact to guests coming to the Zoo. All of the activity is contained behind the construction fence at the site of the Zoo’s old parking lot, and there are no barriers to accessing the Zoo. There is a spacious new parking lot — a short, easy walk to the Zoo entrance. An accessible parking area is just steps from the front entrance, and the Zoo has several electric scooters for rent for guests who may need them.
Enhancements Around the Zoo
The giraffe habitat is receiving some upgrades to provide increased safety for the Zoo’s four reticulated giraffes. Work on the habitat is being done in three phases allowing the giraffes to be in various locations in the habitat as each phase is finished. Phase one of the project is complete, allowing giraffes to access part of their yard space and take part in giraffe feedings. Once the improvements are completed, the giraffes will return to occupying the full habitat. All of the giraffes are doing well.
At the elephant barn, a new overhang will provide shade and added warmth for the elephants during the hot and cold months in Tucson. The ring-tailed lemurs and duikers are receiving some added browse and climbing amenities to provide additional enrichment for these leaping and sprinting species to play.
Wild Wonders
Through April 30, Reid Park Zoo is proud to present the Tucson premiere of “Wild Wonders”, an exhibition of stunning, larger-than-life art sculptures crafted in the Huichol beaded art tradition at Mexico’s Menchaca Studios.
Intricately made, each astonishing sculpture is a vibrant work of folk art painstakingly created by indigenous Huichol artisans. The artisans use time honored symbols to reflect the Huichol people’s deep connection to nature and family, as well as spiritual and cultural values that have been handed down from generation to generation. Through art, the sculptures reflect the majesty of wildlife and the importance of protecting it, at the same time, bringing awareness of the Huichol art form and the need to preserve indigenous cultures and artistry. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience these amazing sculptures, which are included in Zoo admission.
As Reid Park Zoo celebrates 60 wild years of connecting people and wildlife, we are grateful for the generous support of our community. You have helped fuel every leap of our progress, enabling your Zoo and the animals to thrive, while remaining a community and conservation resource. We appreciate and value your support!
Visit ReidParkZoo.org to stay up to date on all latest developments. We hope to see you at the Zoo soon!